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PROJECT 



FORMATION OF A DEPOT IN UPPER CANADA, 



WITH A VIEW TO BEC3IVE THE 



WHOLE PAUPER POPULATION OF ENGLAND. 



SUBMITTED TO 



THE RIGHT HON. EDWARD G. S. STANLEY, 

HIS majesty's principal SEGEETARY of STATE FOR THE COLONIES. 

BY JAMES BUCHANAN, ESQ. 

HTS majesty's consul for the STATE OF NEW YORK, FOEI-IEELY ONE OF HIO 
MAJJ sty's JUSTICES OF THE PEACE OF THE COUNTY OF TYHONE. 



NEW YORK: 



WIlililAM A. MERCEIN, PRINTER. 



M DCCC XXXIV. 



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PREFACE 



I am prepared to hear the principles I advocate 
in the following pages, condemned by many truly 
benevolent people, who are an ornament to the 
Christian character, and our country ; and I deeply 
deplore, if in any of the measures I advocate, I 
should countenance those who are unfeeling and 
hard-hearted towards the poor. My opposition is 
against the abuse of charity, and with a zealous de- 
sire to give a salutary direction, not only to bene- 
volent feelings, but to the laws, and to those of 
Christian obligation, which enjoin upon us " to 
succour the poor,''^ My creed as to charity is, that 
we are bound to relieve want and distress, without 
first waiting to inquire how it has arisen,* and that 
too without regard to nation, color, sect, or view, 



* The parable of the Good Samaritan inculcates this truly Chris- 
tian obligation. 



IV PREFACE. 

to reward. If I have advanced or advocated any 
measure appearing in opposition to these princi- 
ples, I regret the obscurity in w^hich my sentiments 
are expressed. I should far exceed the bounds of 
discretion, did I illustrate my positions by numer- 
ous facts, the fruit of daily intercourse with the 
poor. To those who have taken a working part 
without emolument, such proof would be super- 
fluous, and for the greater number of those who 
derive either patronage, influence or emolument, 
from the vast expenditure connected with, and 
coming under the sweeping head, " Relief of 
THE Poor," I neither look for nor expect appro- 
bation. 

I shall mention a consequence of the poor 
laws, with which the people in the United King- 
dom cannot be supposed to be generally ac- 
quainted, that the poor working English in the 
United States, rarely send aid to their poor re- 
lations in England, aware that the poor laws 
provide for them, while the poor working Irish, 
with an earnestness of feeling truly character- 



PREFACE. 



ire in the constant habit of remitting to 
|their poor relations a part of their earnings. I 
fspeak herein from my knowledge of facts, arising 
[out of my official situation ; and greatly do I fear, 
Ithat the introduction of poor laws into Ireland 
will destroy those feelings which are more worthy 
of being cherished than the building of palace-like 
prisons, poor-houses, or permanent charity estab- 
lishments. Having adopted Canada for my coun- 
try, deeply interested in its prosperity, I shall not 
cease on all occasions to deprecate the introduc- 
tion of any compulsory relief for the poor therein ; 
the finer feelings both of the giver and receiver 
are cherished by being free. Hospitals for the 
sick or maimed, places of temporary refuge for 
the widow, the orphan, and the stranger, will never 
be wanting where sectarian intolerance or com- 
pulsory provision is not created ; all that can be 
now done for England, is, to endeavor to modify 
the evils of the present vicious system, not with 
violence or haste, but uponnot only a well digested, 
but a fair trial. Under a hope of such a consum- 
mation, the following sketch is sent forth, under 



VI PREFACE. 

your auspices, as having the especial charge of 
his Majesty's Colonies, and of having visited the 
United States, and Canada. 

As I have derived much valuable practical in- 
formation from visiting the institutions in the state 
of Connecticut, I deem it important to add, in an 
appendix, a brief view of the management of the 
poor by that far-famed, sagacious people, and also, 
to add some extracts from my report, as to the 
state of New Yorkj as also an outline of the rules 
for regulating the proposed depot, and an esti- 
mate of the expense. 



^an'^m:'^ ■■ 



to the right hon. edward g. s. stanley, &c. &c. 

Sir, 

Having had the honor of being required by Viscount 
Palmerston, to furnish a full report of the legal provision 
which exists in the state of New York, for the support and 
maintenance of the poor ; the principles upon which it is 
founded, and the practical effect of the system upon the 
comfort, character, and condition of the inhabitants — 

I am led to submit to you, sir, as his Majesty's principal 
Secretary of State for the Colonies, a measure which has 
relation to his Majesty's Province of Upper Canada, and 
has engaged my attention for sixteen years. 

With untiring solicitude I have sought information from 
the actual working of institutions upon a smaller scale, 
conducted by the most reflecting and calculating people on 
earth,* whose success has regulated my conclusions, and 
enables me without risk to propose the instituting in the 
first instance an experiment in a systematic way, for the 

* The Selectmen and Overseers of tbB Poor in the state of Connecticut. 




;7".'j5»t- , • ' •■ L'-T 'V-,' ■r\,-;''r':t"' 



8 RBIilEF OF THE POOR. 

purpose of proving that emigration and colonization will 
effectually relieve England from the oppression of the 
poor-law system, and prepare the way so as to place the 
rising generation of the working people in the sure road 
to independence. A variety of concurring circumstances 
renders the present hour peculiarly adapted for the success 
of the measure. 

That British North America should be the spot in which 
such an experiment should be made, will perhaps be at 
once apparent, without dwelling on its genial climate, 
rich soil, and vast resources, as the foundation of a mighty 
empire. With these preliminary remarks, I proceed to 
relate some circumstances of a more personal nature, 
and which first gave rise to the subject in my mind. In 
the year 1816, I had the heiior to represent to the late 
Marquis of Londonderry, then his Majesty's Secretary 
of State for Foreign Affairs, that vast numbers of loyal 
and industrious subjects of his Majesty's^ were anxious to 
remove from the United States to Upper Canada. ,,. In 
consequence of which, his Lordship directed that such 
should be aided, not exceeding ten dollars each, for the 
purpose of being forwarded to that destination, and that 
every family so forwarded should receive also a grant 
of land. A number of these persons having come from 



RELIEF OF THE POOR. 



the counties of Monaghan and Cavan, and the Lieutenant 
Governor having directed settlements to be formed, two 
of these settlements were called Cavan and Monaghan; 
in which arrangement, Dr. Baldwin, of York, took a live- 
ly interest, and at this hour, no part of the province 
exhibits a greater degree of prosperity, or evinces more 
steady loyalty. In the course of this duty, I soon became 
convinced, that those who had not energy to make their 
way by their own resources, would be ill adapted to 
encounter the difficulties which are the inevitable lot of 
all in entering on a new settlement; and although I was 

''empowered to afford aid to the extent already men- 
tioned, I rarely did so. Yet previous to 1821, I had for- 
warded above seven thousand persons to Upper Canada, 
and that without expending in aid as many shillings ; and 
finally, except in extreme cases, as unforseen sickness or 
great want, I discontinued affording any pecuniary assist- 
ance, having had abundant evidence, that just in proportion 
as people, able to work where labor is to be had, are aided, so 
in proportion are their efforts paralyzed and their prosperity 
retarded. It was very natural to feel a deep interest in the 

^ prosperity of those persons, and as I generally made a 
yearly visit to Upper Canada during the sickly season in 
New York, I had an opportunity of examining the con- 
dition of many of those in other j^irts of the province. 



M- 



RELIEF OF THE POOR, 

whom I forwarded. The result of this inspection was,- 
that I can confidently state, that all able to work found] 
employment, and in less than six years, were not only de- 
livered from the fear of want, but that five out of seven! 
were living on their own lands, and had barns, oxen, cows, '. 
pigs, and many of them horses. I have, therefore, from the 
knowledge thus gained, become fully impressed, that Canada ; 
is capable of taking off, not only the surplus jjopulation of] 
the empire, hut the pauper poor of England ; and indeed, 
as far back as 1828, in ti letter I had the honor to address 
to Sir Robert Peel, I imparted the same idea.* 

In respect to the project of a colonizing and receiving 
establishment, already treated of, some account of its ob- 
jects and arrangements may be naturally expected. The 
examples and data for its government are chiefly de- 
rived from a personal examination and inspection of the 
institutions of the adjoining state of Connecticut, so famed 
for its prudential and economical jurisprudence ; besides, 
what facts have been gleaned from an investigation made 



•while this work was in press, I received the message delivered by the Lieut. 
Govenor to the ParliamenI of Upper Canada, now convened, and in reference to 
the capabilities of the Province, his Excellency says, "I am persuaded that you 
will concur with me in the opinion, that were they sufficiently known and ap- 
preciated, the parent state would be encouraged to regard this fertile country 
as an asylum for a large portion of her present redundant population, and to 
adopt an extensive system of emigration ; which, with prudent regulations, 
could not fail to ameliorate the condition of the laboring classes, promote the 
Wfclfare of the Province, and increase her own commercial prosperity. 



WWW: ^^^'f ""'^ ''\\ ^ '^?m-'-^y^^^ 



RELIEF or TTIE POOH. 



11 



into the polity of the state of New York touching the 
"relief of the poor." 

The experiment may be made either on national grounds, : 
or on behalf of any one county disposed to enter upon the 
same. But it is evident, from the immense responsi-. 
bility it will entail, and the important mischiefs which 
failure would occasion, that it would be highly desirable 
that even the arrangements of the voyage should be made 
under a well-appointed and judicious supervision. The 
physical condition and mora:l habits of the emigrant paupers 
being capable of being materially affected by it. 

As the principle of free agency and self-dependence lies 
at the foundation of energy of character, and systematic 
exertion, and the consequent prosperity of the individual, 
where there is any scope of action, it would be sedulously 

C 

enjoined by the superintendents, and be materially consulted 
in the various regulations of the establishment. The fol- 
lowing outline is submitted, in which, if some repetition 
appears, it will doubtless be pardoned, from the difficulty 
of being full and explicit without falling into this error. 

1. None shall be fed in idleness, who are able to work. 

2. Every measure calculated suitably to raise the charac- 
ter of each individual in his own estimation, will be adopted. 

3. A steady and cheerful attention to religious duties to 
be promoted without infringing on the rights of conscience. 




'■'':qv,'!y^?f^. 




12 RELIEF OF THE POOR. 

4. Recreative exercises allowed as the reward of good 
conduct. 

5. Marriage of the young encouraged.* 

6. Punishments, where the necessity of such is indicated, 
to be adjudged by a jury of the emigrants, chosen out of 
their own body, as hereinafter set forth. 

The establishment to be named after the county under 
whose auspices formed ; or if national, to have a national 
appellation. 

The land should consist of at least one thousand acres, 
on which a saw-mill should be first erected, buildings for 
the married and the single of both sexes, dining hall, 
school, infant school, workshops, houses for superintendent, 
for two assistants, for doctor and schoolmaster, an hospi- 



• I confess (as the father of seventeen children,) I have ever been opposed to the 
Malthusian system, and I am supported in such opposition by the highest of all 
authority : " Increase and multiply." Cold mu^t be the current of that man's 
blood, and wretched is the state of that people, whose prosperity is dependent on 
and sacrificed to, the avoidance of marriage. 

As Upi er Canada can furnish employment and food for millions, is i^ not 
lamentable, that a system of not only violence to the dearest affections of our 
nature, but the most direful consequences promoted thereby, should be con- 
tended for as essential to F'ngland's prosperity. 

Could I arrive at the expense of supporting bastardy in all its bearings, I do 
not think I hazard too much in saying, that for a less sum, husbands could be 
proivded for the surplus female population of England, and render them the 
happy mothers of legitimate children, by granting to each female on her mar- 
riage twenty-five acres of land in Canada, the right to be vested unalienably in 
her and her issue. 

1 hip assertion may be tested by bearing in mind, that 5Z. would purchase the 
twenty-five acres, and by making these grants in England on their marriage, 
what vast numbers would get married and proceed out to Canada, thus reliev- 
ing England, and increaaiog Canada! 



RELIEF OF THE POOR. 



13 



tal, barns, cattle sheds, &c. &c. The school rooms to be 
* fitted up with sliding partitions, so as to answer for a 
place of worship.* • 

All would be at liberty to depart as soon as employment 
offered. 

In the selection of officers, practical qualifications would 
be considered of paramount importance ; but in regard 
to the principal, capacity being indispensable, would be 
specially regarded ; one inefficient person, imposed through 
favoritism, would mar the success of the experiment. 

The number of officers requisite has been mentioned in 
the paragraph relating to buildings. 

The growing of hemp and flax, the planting of willows 
for basket work, the culture of the vine and other fruit 
trees, the planting of the mulberry for the rearing of silk- 
worms, &c., to afford employment for the aged and infirm 
is looked to. Such an -establishment would, prima facia, re- 
lieve the parent country of one thousand paupers annually. 
., Laborers, assistants, and mechanics of all kinds are, in 
Upper Canada, in great demand, both for in and out door 
occupations ; food is abundant, materials for building are 



•The establishment should throughout bear evidence of its intrinsic charac- 
ter, and in its exteriur have the appearance of what it really was, the humble 
residence of humble persons. Perhaps it might also with propriety be rendered 
80 plain, as to remind the inhabitants that their social rank was yet not so 
deservedly high as that of the occupants of surrounding habitations, the fruits 
of the industry of their framera. 



^^^^r:^;^; ^^c^^^-^^r^^Tj::^ 



RELIEF OF THE POOR. 

[plenty, and consequently cheap, and such a state of things 
as likely to continue for many years; it follows that the 

iatural desire for independent action would lead all the 
iyoung, and the robust of other ages, to leave the establish- 
iment as soon as convenient. In regard to restraining the 
tparishes sending out those paupers alone calculated to be 
|useful, it is obvious that such a course would not be practica- 

Jle, as the counties would probably see their account only in 
^disposing of the burden of pauperism en masse. Yet it 

rould be simply just, as the prosperity of the colony at 
large would have to be consulted, as well as that of the 
|contemplated establishment in particular, it would seem to 

)e only common justice not to burden the undertaking with 

in excess of the blind, the imbecile, and helplessly dis- 
eased, so as to make of it simply an hospital, as this 
would evidently defeat all the objects had in view in the 
prosecution of the above valuable ends.* 

From the demand for labor of all description existing in 
Upper Canada already mentioned, this would of course 
refer to every class of the community; but it seems ne- 
cessary for a moment to advert more especially to females 
and boys. Of these, numbers to an almost indefinite extent 
could be absorbed by Upper Canada, while these descrip- 



• Yet the reception of even all such as were capable of being removed has 
been duly considered, and to a great extent, could be provided for. 



RELIEF OF THE POOR. 15 

►•tions of the pauper population in England tax the public 
most seriously in providing suitable employment for them, i 
where they are so employed and^ apprenticed out ; and 
there are thousands who are an entire dead weight, con- 
tributing nothing to their own support. Emigration having ' 
I been hitherto chiefly confined to the male paupers, it is 
t somewhat essential to state further, that the demand for 
female assistants and servants in Upper Canada is very 
great, and cannot easily be satisfied; and the same may be 
observed respecting boys capable of being apprenticed ; it 
may be added, that so essential are females to a new agri- 
cultural country, that marriage is regarded as necessary to 
prosperity, and few can retain their maid servants, as they 
soon become the wives of farmers and mechanics. 

Should this experiment be properly conducted, it may be 
affirmed with little hazard, that it might be extended so 
far in a few years, annually, to embrace the formidable 
amount in round numbers of one hundred thousand ; or In 
other words, the whole pauper populationof the United King- 
dom, capable of being embarked. 

This apparently hazardous estimate has for its support 
many practical men in the New England States, as also, I 
believe, that of Sir John Colborne, the present truly efficient 
and valued Lieut. Governor, whose incessant labors for 
the happiness of this province are so conspicuous, and now 
:' 'justly estimated by the people of the colony. 






16 RELIEF OF THE POOR. 

The future and prospective advantages of the successful 
working of the foregoing plan, if happily consummated, are 
so obvious, as scarcely to require minute enumeration, yet 
it may not be altogether superfluous to state some of them. 
The additional strength which would Ihereby be given to 
the upper province, where labor is so much wanted in every 
respect ; the gradual extinction of an unwieldy and un- 
manageable tax in England ; the satisfactory disposal in an 
English Colony of a large number of the dead weight 
population, and the accomplishing of the most extended 
expectations of the philanthropist, by conferring upon the 
destitute and miserable, the power to provide for their own 
wants, and to assume a corresponding rank and importance 
in their own estimation, and in the scale of society ; and not 
the least, the removing of the half-initiated from their old 
haunts and associates, are some of the advantages. 

I am fully aware, that every novel project is liable 
to be scrutinized with severity, and sometimes even 
with prejudice. On the other hand, candid examina- 
tion, so far from being deprecated, is desirable, and 
salutary to the cause of truth. Many objections doub- 
less remain to be stated, besides those which have 
been anticipated in this paper ; but as it claims no higher 
grade than that of a sketch or outline, and as I beg to state 
my entire readiness, as well as wish, if required, to answer 




^W'M 



1?ELIEF OF THE POOR. 1^' 

objections, and afford explanation on all the various points 
refered to in the project, as well as in the annexed estimate ; 
an anticipation of these in full, would at the presennt time 
seem unnecessary. It may be further stated, generally, that 
the details of every department have been thoroughly ar- 
ranged for practical operation, from observation of the 
actual working of similar institutions, on a less extended 
scale, and the estimate now presented is regarded as abun- 
dantly ample.* 

But over two thousand persons should not be under one 
management, although several depots might be profitably 
and successfully placed under one supervision A division 
of responsibility might not only strike at the success, but 
at the very existence of the experiment ; unity of plan and 
promptitude in action, so necessary in the management of 
large bodies of people, should be strictly regarded in the 
proposed measure. In case, however, of apprenticing out 
the young, and in regard to all measures affecting the future 
disposal of the inhabitants of the depot, it would be highly 
desirable that this should be effected through the medium of 
benevolent associations in different parts of the province. 



* The measure throughout, with the estimates, have been submitted to Gen. 
Johnson, thirteen years one of the Select Men of Hartford. The Hon. Judge 
Williams and other gentlemen conspicuous for their successful directing and 
controlling the various institutions in relation to pauperism and crime in the 
state of Connecticut. 

3 



RELIEF OF THE POOR. 

for that special purpose, and one of such vast advantage tcci 
the province. 

Should this project be taken up as a national object, tli 
idea of the amalgamation of the paupers of Ireland anc 
Scotland, would present an important point for considera- 
tion, which is fully provided for. In conclusion, if forty^ 
years of active life, an intimate acquaintance with paupei 
emigration in all its forms, and under all its various branches,, 
during eighteen years of that period spent in the Unitec 
States, and a thorough knowledge of Upper Canada, car 
qualify for giving an opinion, I am firmly persuaded, that 
honestly and judiciously carried into execution, the mea- 
sure will prove one of the greatest benefits bestowed upon 
England, and may be also extended to the other divisions 
of the United Kingdom. 



TATE OF THE POOR IN NEW YORK- 



?he following abstract forms a part of my report as to 
^ the poor laws, 6fC., of the State of New York, addressed to 
Viscount Palmerston. 

In the annual report for expense of the poor for this state, 
made to the Legislature up to January, 1832, 

The expenditure was, ------ $312,065 80 

Or £70,214 10 sterling, being an excess over the 

previous year, of $118,874 33 

or £26,746 10 sterling. 
•In the report lo 1st January, 1833, for the year 

1832, - - ~ - $383,560 80 

or £86,301 3.7 sterling. 
Being an increase of-------- 71,494 12 

or £16,086 3.6. sterling over the former year. 

5th Query. " The practical working and effect of the 
actual system, upon the comfort, character, and condition of 
the inhabitants ?" 

This embraces a wide field, and did I not fear to encum- 
'"^ berthis report, with matter which your Lordship might 



^^■^|J^^•>.^e*''^^vi•>»^/ ■'::,■■ ■ ' >#• -"^ ■™- *'" 



■^0 THE POOR IN THE 

deem irrelevant, I should go at large into the subject, m ilie- 
hope of rendering it more intelligible to those at a distance ; • 
but I am constrained to say, the working is had, and the^ 
effect had, and so considered by every reflecting man 
conversant with the system ; save the contractors and dis- 
bursers of the money, and by many of them also con- 
demned. Such CN sweeping charge requires explanation, iii 
which I shall be as brief as possible. 

The primary causes are : — 

First. That the support is compulsory. 

Second. The dissolute, the idle, and abandoned, partake 
equally with the unfortunate and the destitute. 

Third. The number of persons composing the adminis- 
tration, in all its bearings, instead of the responsibility being- 
limited to individuals at the head of each department. 

Fourth. The frequent change of the persons having the 
direct management of the poor, arising out of universal 
suffrage, annual elections, and flotation in office. 

After many years reflection on the working of our chari- 
table institutions, I have been led to question, whether the 
mis-application and abuse of benevolence or charity, has 
not entailed on mankind, (where employment is to be 
had,) greater evils than the abuse of power ? Let this 
seemingly hazardous assertion be well examined before 
condemned. I am upheld by the facts in this state. 



Siii^?srv^>': 



STATE OF NEW YORK. 21 

where labor is dear, and provisions- cheap, that for what- 
ever class we provide, that class will increase ; provide for 
bastardy, it will abound; provide great state workshops, 
food and raiment for criminals, and occupants will not be 
wanting ; so with charitable institutions and poor houses. 
The sums levied by the corporation of this city on all stran- 
gers who arrive by sea, to guard the city against the expense 
of supporting such as may become poor, with the liberal 
administration of other funds, entail great and growing 
evils on its population, and leads numbers from the interior 
of the state, and from adjoining states, to flock here " as 
the eagles to the carcase ;" sympathy is awakened, persons 
are not wanting to plead for a share of the funds, which 
are applied to acquire personal popularity and political influ- 
ence, while the numbers who divide the responsibility of dis- 
tribution prevents firmness of purpose, as exposing to the 
charge of hardness of heart, so that numbers who could have 
found employment in distant quarters, come to this city, 
partake of the support afforded, herd with the lazy, the 
abandoned, and vicious, lose all self respect, and become 
the victims of crime. I do not fear, my lord, to be charged 
with overdrawing this picture, by those who take pains to 
investigate the subject. 

No other city in any country has more ample accommo- 
dations, more splendid buildings, or abounds more in a 



THE POOR IN THE 



igenerous disposition towards the poor. I should be unjust 
did I not bear this testimony, in fact their liberaHty is not 
meted out by country or creed, and hence thousands^ 
crowd the city, to partake of the liberal provisions made, 
and as liberally distributed,* while it cannot be too often 
repeated, all aid, save to the imbecile in body and mind, or 
on sudden and unforseen calamities, in a country like this, < 
where all who will work are sure of employment, and 
where two day's wages is sufficient to buy necessaries for 
a week's sustenance, is to be deprecated. 

With respect to poor children, a system prevails in this 
city, though seemingly harsh and unfeeling, yet it has a very 
powerful influence to deter families resorting to the com- 
missioners of the poor for support, or an asylum in their 
establishment for the poor, viz : — That the commissioners or 
overseers apprentice out the children, and dispose of them 
to distant parts of the state, and on no account will inform 
the parents where they place their children. 

Unquestionably, this mode is one of unfeeling severity, 
where no discrimination is observed as to the character of 
the parents ; but of mercy where parents are abandoned, 
A case occurred where a poor English family, who had paid, 



*I do not hazard too much when I venture to say, above 20,000 persons receive 
aid from pauper institutions within the city during the winter,— equal to one- 
tonth of the population. 



??rgft; 






STATE OF NEW YORK. 23 

Ife dollar each to the corporation on landing as commutation 
guard the city against their becoming a charge on the 

^or house,) which I beg to set forth, the husband, wife and 

children, not being able to obtain immediate employ- 

mt, went to the Alms House on Friday, the husband left it 

Monday, and got employment ; before the end of the week 

ieterred by the dread of what took place) he was enabled to 

jmove his wife and applied for his children, but found his 
eldest child had, in the interim, been bound an apprentice, to 
whom or where, the superintendent would not inform the 
afflicted parents. After various applications, I was applied to 
in my official capacity, and not until after much negotia- 
tion, did I attain the restoration of the child ; the system has 
been forced upon the superintendents, as persons who took 
children apprentices could not manage them, while they 
were beset with, and subject to, the visits of their parents. 

In justification of the superintendents, it rarely occurs that 
any but the abandoned, or orphans, have occasion to resort 
to the poor house, as such has been the demand for the labor 
of children above ten years of age, that thousands can be 
yearly disposed of most eligibly, so as to render them inde- 
pendent of charity ; and it is truly a humane act to send 
children out of the establishments in this state, where the 
vicious and abandoned are sent as associates with the poor 
and destitute. 



24 THE POOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 

Work houses and poor houses have become united, thus^ 
rendering the victims of crime and vice associates with 
those of misery and poverty, which has a truly demoral- 
izing effect, and cannot be too strongly condemned. 

In this state, poverty and crime may very generally be 
called synonymous, for no man or woman need be poor 
unless dissolute ; there is throughout the country a cheerful, 
nay, an outrunning of charity towards suffering worth, or the 
victims of sudden calamity or unforseen distress. Hospitals 
for the sick, provision for the widow and orphan, the imbe- 
cile in body and mind, for all such it is the bounden duty of 
every state and community to provide ; but all systems 
which tend to generate crime, although the fruit of benevo- 
lence, cannot be too strongly marked, yet few have firmness 
of purpose to act in accordance with such persuasion, 



Fss^^^iiwg';^;*::.-'^*"^^''' • ■ ' 



to THE MANAGEMENT OF THE POOR IN 
CONNECTICUT. 



;'he state of Connecticut was first settled in 1634, and 
peopled from England, — contains four thousand six hundred 
and seventy-four square miles, and contained in 1820, two 
hundred and seventy -five thousand eight hundred and sixty 
eight inhabitants. 

The statutes relating to the poor, are comprised in five 
pages of an octavo volume, which contains the laws of the 
state, and is well worthy of consideration by all legislating 
on the subject, although such could not be followed in 
England, at the same time, all concur in condemning one 
feature, viz : — the want of classification between the vicious 
and the indigent, the existence of which I witnessed in all 
the establishments which I visited. Another questionable 
clause is, that the support is compulsory, and what seems 
highly so, there is a penalty attached to the refusal to 
afford it. A further peculiar feature of the law is, that 
any inhabitant who should entertain a stranger for fourteen 
days, unless notice given to the select men of the town, the 
person so entertaining, should be liable to support such 




26 MANAGEJIENT OF THE 



stranger, if reduced to want by sickness or otherwise, 
within a period of six years after arriving in the state ; and 
another feature of the laws in relation to the poor, is, that the 
select men of each town are empowered to remove any 
stranger, coming to reside in the state, at any time within six 
years, if likely to become a charge on the poor fund.* 

The poor in this state are placed in two classes as to the 
source of support, viz : — Those having claims on the townf 
by birth or from having gained settlement (which requires 
six years residence) ; the other, those who had no such claim 
on the towns, are chargeable to the state. 

The following facts I obtained from General Nathan John- 
son, who has been one of the select men of Hartford, annually 
elected, for many years, who has also filled various depart- 
ments in the legislature, and is regarded by all, as among 
the most faithful and intelligent public men in the state, and 
to whom I had the honor to be introduced by the Hon. Judge 
Williams, the Mayor of Hartford, as also to Mr. Phelps, the 
Controller of the state : to those gentlemen'! beg leave public- 
ly to acknowledge my thanks for the kindness manifested 

to aid me in all my inquiries, I alone take the liberty of na- 
ming those gentlemen, as giving weight to my observations 



♦This feature of their laws serve as an index to the character of the commu- 
nity, and deserving of particular notice by all who speak of this sagacious 
people. 

t Town refers to lands, lead embraces villages and cities corresponding to our 
Parishes- 



>X>OR IN CONNECTICUT. 

jvious to 1820 the select men of the state were permitted 
Eo grant support upon such terms, and to an extent alone 

[regulated by their discretion. 
But the expense became so great, that the'subject was taken 
Ip in the legislature and submitted to a committee, of whom 

[General Johnson, already named, was an active member, and 
law passed limiting the discretion of the select men, and 

Subjecting the state alone to a charge not to exceed one dol- 
lar, or 4s. 2d.a. week, for support of any pauper, and such 

^lone to be extended to persons not born in the state, or in a 

(■bordering state. The annual charge to the state previous to 
this law, varied from twelve to fifteen thousand dollars, 

^•£3,375. 0. 0. a law was also passed, authorizing the con- 
troller of the state to contract for the support of the poor, to 
which the state should be chargeable ; but no contract to be 
-made for a longer time than five years, and by public offers 
or bidding. 

Such has been the working of the measure, that the last 
contract has been taken at one thousand eight hundred dollars 
£405. a year, while such diminution does not arise from an 
improved_condition of the hitherto pauper community, but 
from the wholesome effect of causing them to work, and 
the consequence is, that the newly peopled regions of the 
west, of the shores of Lakes Superior and Michigan, and 
the valleys of the Mississippi and Missouri, afford sup- 




■"f^f^' ':■/■' -■'-■■'■' ■'-■y'-?W^ 




28 MAJVAGEAIENT OF THE 

port and independence for those who would otherwise 
have still constituted the poor of the state of Connecticut, 
but for the change of system, and thus the wisdom 
and firmness of the legislature, has driven the poor of the 
state thousands of miles, unaided, into the wilds of the 
West and thereby forced independence upon them.* 

The present contractor for the support of the state pau- 
pers, resides at Windsor, near the centre of the state, the 
more distant parts not exceeding much more than one 
hundred miles. He again contracts with the contractor 
for the support of the poor of the border towns, to allow them 
a fixed sum for supporting such poor as come under the 
class he is bound to relieve, without limitation as to num- 
bers, the inland towns not being exposed to claims of many 
poor from distant states, or countries, (the law authorizing 
the removal of all such) but any such who may get in, and 
claim aid, the contractor has arrangements made for their 
support, or being conveyed to his establishment, where they 
may remain at his expense until the termination of his con- 



* And such has been the effect of the times in England, that many families have 
been forced to leave the land of their fathers, for Canada to obtain that support 
which they could not obtain in England, where they are now independent and 
free from want. Why then should not England withhold support from the pau- 
pers, unless they in like manner remove? There is no pity for the industrious 
farmer and mechanic, who is forced to emigrate, but a great outcry would be 
raised, were it attempted to feed, support and maintain the poor, by removing 
them, not toSthe^wilds or woods, but to establishments amply provided for their 
wants, where a sure opening of employment, and a certain prospect of bettor 
ing their condition, would be the consequence. - 



r^^ 



POOR IN CONNECTICUT. 29 

tract ; but in as much as the contractor is authorized by the 
legislature to make all paupers perform such work as they 
are capable of, it is evident all who can, will make their way 
out of the state, or seek labor where they will be paid. 

The working of this system is obvious ; the contractor 
having a limited sum, for supporting unlimited numbers, his 
gain depends on, not only his vigilance to guard, that not one 
man belonging to any town in the state, nor of a bordering 
state, shall be supported at his expense, and like a consummate 
general, he guards the avenues by which the enemy mg,y 
approach, he therefore contracts with the frontier towns of 
the state, and allows them also a limited sum annually for 
supporting all paupers, without limit as to numbers, who 
would have a claim on him, as therefore their gain in like 
manner arrises from their not admitting any, who do not 
come within the limitation, from all which arrangement, it is 
evident Connecticut is not the country where idle or dissi- 
pated characters will seek shelter. The foregoing refers to 
the provision for the paupers claiming support from the state. 

As to the mode adopted by the towns, the same revolu- 
tion as to expense has also taken place, as in the state 
expenditure. The numbers supported in the town I could 
not learn, no return being made ; numbers are not regarded, 
the expenditure alone looked to. The same economical 



MANAGEMENT OF THE 

r^ten^^Sopted by the state has taken place general!^ 
Ine towns. Happening to be in Southington (at the time o| 

leir town meeting, to elect officers for the year ensuing! 

^hich contains about one thousand eight hundred inhabi 

^ants, I learned that some years ago, the poor tax on th| 

town, independent of their tax for state poor, amounted tc 

about #14,00, or £315 0. 0. now it is down to about $30C 

or £62 10. 0. 

But now contractors take the poor at a limited sum, fo 
the support of all to which the town is liable, and such is 
the wholesome effect of the contractors working them well, 
that in a country where labor is dear, and the necessaries 
of life abundant, the demand upon the poor fund has dimi- 
nished, and continues to diminish in the state of Connecticut, 
as set forth. 

The Mayor of Hartford kindly accompanied me to the 
poor house, distant about three miles from the city. I 
was glad to find it was not a palace-looking establishment, as 
at New York and Albany, yet the rooms were clean, neat, 
and sufficiently comfortable for the occupants ; their food 
was abundant, and adequate to their wants ; not calculated 
to lead them to prefer the place as affording better living than 
the daily fare of the hard working laborer or mechanic of 
their neighborhood, the fruit of their own industry. The 



]?00R IN CONNECTICUT. 31 

females in the house, (save one who was lame, and another 
imbecile in mind) were votaries of intemperance in body 
and mind, hard to manage, yet such as humanity would not 
spurn from shelter and food. Beyond the work of the house^ 
save a little knitting, spinning, and weaving, some woolen 
garments,'they contributed little to their support, some occa- 
sionally worked out in the neighborhood, and thereby helped 
to clothe themselves. 

A system of rigid confinement does not appear to pervade 
these establishments, and with perfect tact, when a drunken 
vagrant is taken up, and sent to the workhouse, he is locked 
up in such a manner that when he awakes and becomes sober, 
he finds means to escape, whereby the establishment and 
neighborhood are delivered of his presence. 

Few are kept in prison who are not destroyed by it. 

I have yet to learn, who was ever reclaimed by imprison- 
ment ; the outside of a prison has terrors, the inside none ; a 
vicious person enjoys a quiet in prison — he is a stranger to 
without — no man dreads it less than he who oft frequents it, 
those who are young in the science of governing the depravi- 
ty of the human heart, will scoflfatthis digression. 

The funds for the support of the poor of the State of 
Connecticut, are levied from the real and personal estate of 
the citizens, which as has been observed in my report on the 



?^?w 






32 



MANAGEMENT OF THE POOR IN CONNECTICUT. 



poor of the state of New York, is yearly valued by the as- 
sesors of towns, who make their return on oath, so that an- 
nually the property of every citizen is known, and published 
to the world. It is worthy of remark, that the select men 
are authorized to sequester the property of drunkards for 
the support of their families. 



r-r.v.'^'^-r^v ■ 



^i 



RULES AND REGULATIONS, 



Peculiar circumstances may require a modification of 
the following ; but it is deemed proper that the regulations 
as to the governing principle of the measure should be exhi- 
bited, and no doubt, will call forth what all deem themselves 
capable of furnishing — advice : suffice it to say, they are all 
drawn from the actual working of various departments, the 
good effect of which, in so far as they have been acted on, 
has been proved, and with a special regard to Upper Canada, 
as a marked distinction must be kept in view between what 
is suitable for America and for England. It is only an 
intimate acquaintance with the subject, can convince people 
who come to the United States or Canada, that they have to 
unlearn what they regarded as their chief merit in England, 
before they become in any degree efficient either as agricul- 
turists, mechanics, or superintendents. The religious 
arrangement will excite the warmest discussion, but with- 
out the fear of God, and the glorious hope and consola- 
tion of the Christian religion, are inculcated in the spirit 
of meekness, kindness and charity, as exemplified in the 



Lofa 



MM:^:.^ 



RULES AND REGULATIONS, 

teaching of the Lord Jesus, I should have no hope 
the measure proving a blessing to those to be removed,! 

1st. The residents shall be put and kept to such laboi| 
as they are capable of performing, and as will best promot 
industry and economy, reference being had to their agei 
sex, and ability, and no excuse shall be admitted. but actuate 
infirmity or disability, to be determined by the attending:! 
physician. And if any person shall refuse to perform hisJ 
task, during the hours prescribed, or shall be refractory or"J 
disorderly, or in any way violate the rules of the house, or « 
do any wanton injury to the furniture or other property, he^j 
shall be punished by the authorities, and in the manner 
herein after mentioned. 

2d. A rigid system of classification shall pervade the 
whole establishment, viz : Jurors and monitors, as hereinafter 
set forth, (to enforce order and obedience,) the classification; 
to extend to distinction, as to accommodation in dormitories, 
dining hall, and eligibility to hold office, and other marks of 
favor. 

3d. That the enforcing of the various rules and regulations 
shall be committed to monitors, elected by the inmates of 
tlie depot from among themselves, who shall report to the 
jurors any infraction of the rules ; but such appointment is not 
to interfere with their usual labor or occupation. The su- 
pervision to be as follows, viz : 






RULES AND REGULATIONS. 

^•tth. In each apartment of fifty persons, two monitors tc 

le selected by the residents of such apartment, to hold their 

)ffice for one month; such, however, to be eligible for re- 

iliEtion with the concurrence of the superintendent. The 

s^me principle of election to hold among the single of botl^ 

pexes but the adjudication of all punishment to be alone en-* 

forced by five persons to be called jurors, to be chosen 

lonthly by all the monitors, but as to their re-election, such 

be sanctioned, as in the case of the monitors, by the super- 

itendent : the proceedings of this court to be open, and to 

ike place in the presence of the superintendent, and on the 

Evening of the day on which the oflfence comes to be known, 

and punishment immediately to follow conviction. 

5th. That being guilty of disobedience of any rule dis- 
qualifies from holding office, either as monitors or jurors, for 
such period as the superintendent shall think proper. 

6th. The hour for rising shall be at sunrise thoughout the. 
year, the bell to be rung, when every person shall immedi- 
ately arise, comb hair, wash hands and face, under the inspec-^ 
tion of the monitors, and such as are so disposed, repair to the 
school room, (place of public worship,) where the ten com- 
mandments and the Lord's prayer, shall be read by a discreet 
'person, selected for the purpose by the superintendent, from 
thence to breakfast and to their respective occupations, the 
children to attend school for two hours, after which those capa- 



RULES AND REGULATIONS 

such labor as shall be prescribed ; also two hoursa! 
school after dinner. At the appointed hour for retirement^] 
the bell will ring, when all shall retire to their respective dor-^ 
mitories ; half an hour after, the jurors shall in their turn visit 
each apartment, to see that all lights are out, holding the mo- 
nitors accountable for any omission, or for permitting any 
to smoke a segar or pipe in their rooms after thfe bell rings. 

Tth. The hours for labor shall be as follows : — In sum- 
mer, from one hour and one half after sunrise until eleven 
in the forenoon, and from one o'clock to one hour before 
sunset. In winter, the same in the forenoon, and from one 
to sundown in the afternoon, and from the 20th September 
to the 20th March, they shall labor in the evening, from six 
to eight o'clock, except as to the labor of the youth of both 
sexes, which shall be particularly prescribed. 

8th. The hour for meals shall be as follows : — through- 
out the year, breakfast one hour after sunrise. The bell 
shall always be rung thirty minutes before each meal, when 
every person shall cease from work, and immediately be 
ready, with clean hands and face, for the ringing of the se- 
cond bell, when they shall repair to the mess rooms, the 
aged first, and take such seats as shall be assigned by the 
dining hall monitors. Dinner at noon, and supper at sun- 
down. Half an hour shall be allowed for meals, when the 
bell shall be rung, and no person shall leave the table without 



RULES AND REGULATIONS. 

permission, when all shall rise, and retire to his or her rooi 
|vor employment, and no one shall take any article from the 
table. The monitors shall see that the table is immediately 
cleared, and be careful that the fragments are saved. No 
person shall be allowed any food except at the regular 
meals, unless prescribed by the physician. 

9th. That the children, when capable, shall be bound out 
to proper persons, inhabitants of the province, to be approved 
by a justice of the peace, or any regular placed clergyman 
residing in the neighborhood of the applicant, who should 
undertake to act as guardians of such children, or by associa- 
tions, which should be formed in different parts of the pro- 
vince for that purpose, who would undertake the task, the 
boys to be bound until eighteen years, and the girls until 
sixteen years, of whose actual state a yearly report to be 
furnished to the superintendent, that in his annual report a 
full view should be rendered of all who had been sent to 
the depot, such report to be forwarded to the Imperial as 
also Provincial Parliament, made up to the first of January 
in each year. 

10th.. None of the residents shall purchase, or have in his 
or their possession, any spirituous liquor, and the same shall 
always be taken by the superintendent, jurors or monitors, 
whenever found, and it shall not be restored. And the de-. 
linquent shall be punished as the jurors shall direct. 



RULES AND REGULATIONS. 

1. That all persons brought to the depot, shall b^ 
Iberty to leave it when deemed capable of sustaining them- 
selves. 

!» •12th. That all w^ho choose to remain after six months 
should be remunerated, by being paid in cash, on leaving 
the depot, half of all contract w^ork performed by them^ 
separate from the depot. 

13th. That the flute, violin, and other instruments, shall b« 
provided, to afford recreation for such as are disposed to] 
learn. 

14th. That a library shall be formed and furnished with 
Biography, History, Treatises on Physics and Mechanics ; 
also such works as are acknowledged of a moral tendency, 
and such periodical works, daily journals, and magazines, 
admitted, as the jurors should require, under the sanction 
of the superintendent. 

15th. That on the Lord's day, all should be required to 
respect the day, (however only by persuasion,) when the 
person selected to read the daily morning service, should 
in addition read in regular order a portion of the Scriptures. 
While such regular ordained clergymen, pastors or minis- 
ters, as should be desirous of rendering their services, 
should be at liberty to officiate, at hours to be arranged by 
the superintendent, {the arrangement as to payment, reserved 
for consideration) when all should be at liberty to attend cv 



AULES AND REGULATIONS. 

ts they might be disposed ; but no interference 
the peculiar mode of worship or faith of other denomi- 

itions of Christians, nor any observations of a poUtical 
nature, on any account to be indulged in by those allowed to 
officiate ; and in case of any departure from these regula- 
tions, such person to be excluded from the depot in future. 
Psalmody or singing hymns to be taught and cherished in 
the young on the Lord's day. 

16th. That the Bible, without note or comment, shall be 
furnished for the use of all in the depot, and any work of 
professedly a moral character, sanctioned by the various 
clergymen or pastors who shall give their occasional atten- 
dance, will be received into the library ; but on no account 
shall any of the paupers be permitted to have any books 
which impugns the Christian character. 

17th. The only punishment for adults, confinement and 
to be fed on bread and water, and for the youth, a firm, 
yet mild chastisement, but always in private. 



ATE. 



Estimate of the proposed depot in Upper Canada, and ret 
ving from England 1000 Paupers annually, including 

food, clothing, medical advice, and instruction. The ac- 
commodation to comprise 1000 acres of land, buildings 

for males, females, married, single, orphans, insane, dis- 
eased, or blind. 



EXPENSE OF TRANSPORTATION. 

First. — Adults can be provided with passage for 2l. IDs. children 
under thirteen, half price ; provisions for the voyage, young and old, 
can be amply provided for JEl. 10s. each, making £4. transport to 
the settlement, say j£l. IDs. and for contingencies, 10s. making £6. 
until placed at the depot. I see no good cause why the poor who 
are sent out at the expense of Ihe parish, should be better provided 
tlian the poor farmers and working classes, who come out at their 
own expense, and sure I am, the estimate is not only ample, but 
abundant, and under proper management, would cover removal 
from the parish to the place of embarkation. Much depends on 
the masters of the passenger vessels. The timber ships 'are general- 
ly second class, many'of them fourth class vessels, and commanded 
by men ignorant and dissipated. I should, therefore, deem it essen- 
tial, to secure success and the comfort of the poor people, to be par- 
ticular as to the class of the vessel, and capacity and sobriety of the 
master. Those directing the measure should take charge of the 
paupers in England, and thereby avoid the many and certain evik 
to which emierranls are liable, on their passage to Quebec and New 



'^M^^MMk 



ESTIMATE. 



Ifeir arrival there, which proves truly dis- 
couraging ; but such errors may be guarded against. 

The lands, houses, stock, farming utensils and cattle, should all 
belong to the county or community making the experiment. The 
blind, insane, or persons above sixty, not to be sent out, save under 
the special provision set forth in the estimate. 

Purchase of 1000 acres, and buildings for 1000 per- 
sons, asset forth, taken at £12,000, interest thereof 

Removing 1000 persons at £6. each. 

One year's support, 

Head Superintendent 

Two working do. £50. etch 

Schoolmaster, 

Doctor 

Matron 

Contingences, first year 

The resident officers to have such support as the farm 
can produce. 



£500 








6000 


0. 





4000 








200 








100 








50 








100 








50 








1000 









Amount, £12,000 



Second year, 1000 removed from England 
at £6. each. 

Interest on purchase of lands, &c. 

Superintendence, &c. 

Annual allowance for support, &c., second 
and every future year, independent of the farm 
and labor of the Paupers, 



6,000 

500 
500 



*5000 



£12,000 



Only /lOOO is required for the additional 1000 paupera yearly sent oui. 



Tom^any of the persons so sent out becoaie insane or blind, 
addition to the above estimate, for all such a charge to be made ; 

Idiots or Insane, 4rf a day, 

Blind 3d a day, 

Clothing and attendance being included. 



View of Jive year's drainage of the Poor from theparent State. 



First year, lOOD persons removed to depot, 
Admit that one third depart from it, although one 
half might more correctly be calculated, 



Remains 



Second year, 1000 sent 
Second year, one third depart. 
Third year, 1000 sent. 
Third year, one third depart, 
Fourth year, 1000 sent 
Fourth year, one third depart 
Fifth year, lOOO sent 
Fifth year, one third depart 



Remains 



Remains 



Remains 



Remains 



1000 



333 

677 

1000 

1667 
555 

1112 

1000 

2113 

704 

1408 
1000 

2408 
800 

1608 
1000 

2608 
886 

172? 



PpSiWPfll^^ ?" -^^ "^-^^^ 



ESTIMATE. 



43 



RECAPITULATION. 



Sxpense first year, 
Second year 
Third do 
Fourth do 
Fifth year 



£12,000 

12,000 
12,000 
12,000 
12,000 

£60 000. 



N. B. — Births would supply deaths. 

Thus in the space of five years, 5000 paupers, would be removed 
at an expense to the country of £60. 000. The expenditure of 
the County of Kent for 1832 is stated at £425, 578, at this rate one 
year's poor rate of Kent would for ever free the county of 35.000 
paupers, teniper cent, is a wide estimate for those who would be born, 
as also for the feeble or blind making one hundred and fifty persons 
dead weight on the Depot, and admit that Ad. per diem should be 
required for them, this would not at most add in any way £l000 
a year at the end of five years, while it is believed from the improved 
state of the farm, arrangement and management, no such additional 
charge would be required to the £l2,000 a year. It is to be kept in 
view that such additional buildings as should be required would 
be raised by the paupers. 




%^ 



